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Essay on Weight Management

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Weight management has been thought of as only weight loss by many. Weight management covers all aspects of attaining and maintaining optimum weight for a healthy lifestyle. Health professionals now realize that prevention of weight gain as well as weight loss and improving health status are important goals. These goals must be individualized for success. At the outset of treatment, the patient and health care provider should discuss and agree upon goals. The goals must take into account the food habits, exercise behaviors, psychological outlook and support systems of the individual. Realistic expectations, short- and long-term, may be promoted by a discussion of a healthy weight versus an ideal body weight. Features of weight management …show more content…

Foods should be similar to those individual is used to eating to encourage permanent behavior changes.) and •     energy intake adjustments when the weight goal is reached in order to maintain optimal weight. A negative energy balance is the goal for weight loss. For weight loss, the BMR, caloric intake, and caloric expenditure are analyzed. It is necessary to determine the kilocalorie adjustment needed for weight loss (see Table 2). For proper energy balance during weight reduction ½ of the reduction should come from a reduction in caloric intake, and ½ should be derived from increased physical activity. A neutral energy balance must be met for weight maintenance. It is advisable to create a general guide for weight maintenance. When developing a food plan, the nutrient balance should consist of 45 – 65% carbohydrates, 10 -35% proteins, and less than or equal to 25% fats. The distribution balance is also a key aspect to weight management. The distribution balance requires caloric intake spread throughout the day. Identifying problem times and planning healthy snacks for these times is necessary to maintain distribution balance. A food guide (a reference for comparative food values and portions) can help the individual with weight management, whether for loss, gain or maintenance. This guide will help

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